According to a survey, a majority of Texas voters believe that marijuana laws should be “less stringent.”
This month, the University of Texas/Texas Politics Project Poll asked respondents to comment on a range of policy issues that affect the state. They also questioned how certain topics should be regulated in comparison to the status quo.
When asked about cannabis laws, 51 percent stated that they should be less restrictive than 22 percent, who suggested they should be stricter, and 15 percent said they should remain the same.
These results are coming as a bill decriminalizing marijuana is being advanced in the Texas House of Representatives.
The poll found that more Texans agree with the idea of marijuana laws being less restrictive than those who agreed about gambling (39%), voting requirements (32%), and firearms (16%).
At 72 percent, Democrats were most likely to support fewer cannabis restrictions. This was followed by Republicans (33%), and independents (47%).
The most divided Republican group was the one that voted for the law, with 32% saying it should be stricter and 24% saying it should remain the same.
Although strictness is not necessarily a matter of policy preferences, it does reflect a general interest to reform. Texas, for example, currently allows cannabis oil only for certain medical conditions, but criminalizes people more generally over the use of the plant.
Interviews with 1,200 voters were conducted between February 10-21. The margin of error was +/- 2.83 percentage points.
A recent poll by YouGov and University of Houston asked Texans more directly about the options for cannabis reform. The poll found that 4 out 5 Texans support legalizing medical marijuana and decriminalizing the possession of cannabis. A strong majority of Texans across all political lines supports a wider recreational legalization.
In previous years, cannabis reform legislation was advanced in the conservative legislature but has generally stagnated before the finish line. However, activists and military veterans advocates are continuing to press lawmakers to move on the matter.
Last week, the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee unanimously approved legislation to decriminalize marijuana.
Last week, three bills were filed by lawmakers to expand research into the therapeutic effects of psychedelics. These measures would be a continuation of the modest psychedelics law that was passed last session.
The Texas House passed a marijuana decriminalization bill in 2019. However, it was not approved by the Senate. Since then, lawmakers have been unable to pass any additional extensive cannabis bills during recent sessions.
Governor. Greg Abbott (R), stated that he does not believe that people should be imprisoned for low-level marijuana possession. The governor suggested that the policy was already in place by lawmakers last year.
House Speaker Dade Phelan (R), stated in September that he would implement criminal justice reform in 2023 session. He also expressed support for lower penalties for marijuana possession.
The Texas Republican Party adopted an platform plank recommending decriminalization for marijuana possession in 2018. However, that was later repealed.
In Texas, marijuana-related issues have been getting more attention locally under the home rule laws.
Major cities such as Austin have already implemented decriminalization locally at ballot level. voters also passed reform in five other Texas cities last November.
San Antonio voters will be able to vote on May ballot. This measure will decriminalize marijuana and prevent the enforcement or restriction laws regarding abortion. It also bans no-knock warrants.
Germany will move forward with marijuana legalization after receiving’very good feedback’ from the EU. Top official says
Photo by Mike Latimer.
The post Majority Of Texas voters Want ‘Less Stringent’ Marijuana Laws, poll finds as Decriminalization Bill Advances originally appeared on Marijuana Moment.
